Research & Conservation InternAt — BLUeDNA Institute
The Marine eDNA Research & Conservation Internship provides hands-on experience supporting marine biodiversity research, environmental DNA (eDNA) monitoring, and nonprofit conservation science. Interns will contribute to active BLUeDNA projects through scientific literature review, biodiversity data management, field research support, science communication, and organizational development activities. Opportunities may include participation in Monterey Bay field sampling projects, organization and synthesis of scientific publications, management of biodiversity datasets and project records, development of outreach and communication materials, and support for grant and research initiatives. Interns will work closely with researchers and conservation practitioners while gaining exposure to how scientific projects are planned, implemented, communicated, and supported within a nonprofit research organization. The internship is designed for students interested in marine science, conservation, biodiversity monitoring, and environmental research.
By the end of this opportunity, students will understand how marine biodiversity research moves from concept to implementation within a nonprofit scientific organization. They will gain first-hand exposure to the planning, logistics, fieldwork, data management, communication, and fundraising activities required to support active conservation research programs. Students will learn how environmental DNA (eDNA) is used as a tool for biodiversity monitoring and how molecular data are integrated with field observations to answer ecological and conservation questions. Through participation in ongoing projects, they will develop a practical understanding of research design, data quality, metadata management, and the importance of standardized methods in scientific studies. Beyond the technical aspects of biodiversity research, students will gain insight into the realities of building and operating a science-driven nonprofit. They will see how partnerships are developed, how grants support research activities, how scientific results are communicated to different audiences, and how conservation organizations balance scientific goals with operational needs. Most importantly, students will contribute to real projects with tangible outcomes. Rather than working through hypothetical exercises, they will participate in activities that directly support active research, conservation planning, and organizational development. The internship is intended to provide a realistic understanding of careers in marine science and conservation while helping students build professional skills, confidence, and experience that can be applied to future academic and professional opportunities. Hard skills Conducting structured reviews of scientific literature Collecting and documenting marine eDNA samples Managing research metadata and sample inventories Organizing and maintaining biodiversity databases Developing scientific reports, presentations, and outreach materials Soft skills Working independently with minimal supervision Managing multiple projects and deadlines Communicating scientific information to different audiences Collaborating with researchers, conservation practitioners, and partners Planning and executing tasks within a nonprofit research environment
Students will receive project-specific training and mentorship from BLUeDNA staff throughout the internship. Initial onboarding will include an introduction to BLUeDNA's mission, ongoing projects, organizational structure, and expectations. Training will be provided in scientific literature review techniques, environmental DNA (eDNA) concepts and methodologies, data management practices, metadata standards, and project documentation procedures. For field activities, students will receive instruction in field protocols, sample handling, equipment use, data recording, and safety procedures relevant to the activities in which they participate. Additional training will be provided as needed for specific projects, including science communication, outreach materials, biodiversity data organization, and research support tasks. Training will be delivered through a combination of one-on-one mentoring, project meetings, written protocols, demonstrations, and supervised participation in ongoing research and organizational activities.
This internship is primarily focused on research, data management, science communication, and organizational support activities. Occasional participation in Monterey Bay field projects may be available depending on project schedules and student interests. No scuba diving is required as part of the internship. Students are not expected to work with hazardous chemicals or operate heavy equipment. Field participation, when applicable, will be limited to activities appropriate to the student's experience, training, and comfort level.
Interested students should contact Christina Biggs, Founder & Chief Scientist, at christina@bluedna.org to express interest in available internship opportunities. Applicants should provide a current resume and a brief statement describing their academic background, areas of interest, and goals for the internship. Qualified candidates may be invited to an informal BLUeDNA project site tour, followed by a formal interview.
| Hours | Duration |
|---|---|
| 400 | hours per placement |